Sweet avocado drinks, a delightful blend of avocados with sugar, milk, or condensed milk, are popular in various parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Here’s a quick outline at the history and origins of this unique beverage.

Southeast Asia

Indonesia and the Philippines:

• Indonesia: Sweet avocado drinks, known as “jus alpukat,” are very popular in Indonesia. “Jus alpukat” translates to “avocado juice” and typically includes avocados blended with milk, sugar, and sometimes chocolate syrup for added flavor.
  • The drink is believed to have become popular in Indonesia during the mid-20th century, as avocados became more widely available and people started experimenting with them in various culinary applications.
• The Philippines: In the Philippines, avocados are often enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet drink. A traditional preparation involves mashing ripe avocados and mixing them with milk (usually evaporated or condensed milk) and sugar called avocado con yelo, which means with ice.
  • This preparation has been a part of Filipino cuisine for many decades, possibly introduced through the influence of American colonization and the introduction of new ingredients and culinary ideas during the early 20th century.
  • Nowadays, it’s easy to spot avocado ice cream at any Filipino grocery store or something modernized like Avocado sago that is picture-worthy at the trendy dessert cafés.

Vietnam:

• Sinh Tố Bơ: In Vietnam, a popular avocado smoothie called “sinh tố bơ” is made by blending avocados with condensed milk and ice, creating a rich, creamy beverage. Similar to an avocado milkshake or avocado smoothie.
  • The influence of French colonial cuisine, which introduced dairy products like condensed milk, likely played a role in the development of this drink.
  • “Sinh tố bơ” has become a staple in Vietnamese cafes and street food stalls since the mid-20th century.

Latin America

Brazil:

• Vitamina de Abacate: In Brazil, avocados are commonly used in sweet preparations rather than savory dishes. “Vitamina de abacate” is a popular avocado smoothie made with milk, sugar, and sometimes lime juice.
  • This drink has been enjoyed in Brazil since at least the mid-20th century. The use of avocados in sweet dishes likely stems from indigenous practices and was further popularized by Portuguese influences, which brought sugar and dairy into Brazilian cuisine.

Mexico:

• Aguacate con Leche: In Mexico, avocados are primarily used in savory dishes like guacamole, but there are also sweet avocado beverages, such as “aguacate con leche” (avocado with milk). This drink typically includes avocados blended with milk, sugar, and sometimes a hint of vanilla.
  • The concept of using avocados in sweet applications has likely been influenced by the diverse culinary traditions and the natural abundance of avocados in the region.

Conclusion

Sweet avocado drinks have a rich and diverse history, with their origins rooted in various cultural and culinary traditions across Southeast Asia and Latin America.

These drinks became popular during the mid-20th century, as avocados became more accessible and people began exploring their versatility in both sweet and savory dishes.

The influence of colonial powers, the introduction of new ingredients, and the natural abundance of avocados in these regions all contributed to the development and popularity of sweet avocado beverages.

Today, they remain a beloved treat, enjoyed for their creamy texture and delightful flavor.